George Yardley, an influential figure in the early years of professional basketball, made a lasting impression with his scoring prowess and athleticism. Born in Hollywood, California, Yardley attended Stanford University, where he excelled in basketball and earned All-American honors. His collegiate success paved the way for his entry into the National Basketball Association (NBA).

Yardley began his professional career with the Fort Wayne Pistons after being selected as the seventh overall pick in the 1950 NBA Draft. However, he did not join the team immediately, as he served in the United States Navy for two years. Upon completing his service, Yardley joined the Pistons in 1953, quickly establishing himself as a scoring threat.

Standing at 6 feet 5 inches, Yardley was known for his exceptional shooting ability and agility on the court. He played as a forward and was one of the first players to utilize a jump shot effectively, which was a relatively new technique at the time. His offensive skills were complemented by his ability to rebound, making him a valuable asset to his team.

During the 1957-58 NBA season, Yardley achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the first player in league history to score over 2,000 points in a single season. He finished the season with 2,001 points, averaging 27.8 points per game. This achievement earned him the NBA scoring title and solidified his reputation as one of the league's top scorers.

Yardley's performance on the court earned him six consecutive All-Star selections from 1955 to 1960. He was also named to the All-NBA First Team in 1958, further highlighting his status as one of the premier players of his era. His ability to score from various positions on the court made him a challenging opponent for defenders.

In 1957, the Fort Wayne Pistons relocated to Detroit, becoming the Detroit Pistons. Yardley continued to play a crucial role for the team, helping them reach the NBA Finals in 1955 and 1956, although they fell short of winning the championship on both occasions. Despite the team's struggles, Yardley's individual performances remained consistently impressive.

After the 1959-60 season, Yardley decided to retire from professional basketball. He left the NBA with career averages of 19.2 points and 8.9 rebounds per game. His scoring ability and contributions to the game were recognized in 1996 when he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Beyond his basketball career, Yardley pursued a successful business career in the aerospace industry.

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